Gene Simmons Performs Ace Frehley Written Kiss Songs Live
Gene Simmons performed songs written by former Ace Frehley live for the first time during a recent solo band performance, marking a rare moment in Kiss-related live history.
The performance took place on February 20, 2026, at L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles, Louisiana, during a show by the Gene Simmons Band. According to published setlists and concert reports, Simmons debuted the Frehley-penned Kiss tracks “Strange Ways” and “Rocket Ride”, neither of which he had previously performed live in any documented setting.
While Simmons has long included Frehley-associated songs such as “Cold Gin” in his sets, both “Strange Ways” and “Rocket Ride” have historically been absent from his live repertoire. “Strange Ways” originally appeared on Kiss’ 1974 self-titled debut, while “Rocket Ride” was featured on the band’s 1977 album Love Gun. Both tracks are closely associated with Frehley’s songwriting and guitar style.
Setlist records from the Lake Charles show confirm that the two songs were integrated into a broader Kiss-heavy performance that also included staples such as “Deuce,” “Shout It Out Loud,” “War Machine,” “Domino,” and “Calling Dr. Love.” The inclusion of multiple Frehley-written or Frehley-led songs made his influence a clear thematic element of the night.
The Gene Simmons Band lineup for the performance featured Simmons alongside guitarist and vocalist Jason Walker, guitarist Brent Woods, and drummer Brian Tichy. The group has been touring in a stripped-down format that allows Simmons to explore deeper selections from the Kiss catalog outside the constraints of a full Kiss production.
The performance was quickly noted by fans and rock media outlets, with many pointing out that Simmons’ decision to finally perform these particular songs represented a notable shift in how he approaches Frehley-era material. While Kiss’ farewell tour concluded in 2023, Simmons has continued to reinterpret the band’s legacy through solo appearances and special performances.
Related Stories
David Byrne Marks ‘Who Is The Sky?’ Anniversary With Deluxe Edition, Four New Tracks
David Byrne released a digital deluxe edition of ‘Who Is The Sky?’ on September 16, 2026, adding four bonus tracks to mark the album’s first anniversary as his world tour winds down.
Bob Dylan Announces 39-CD ‘Rolling Thunder Revue: The 1976 Live Recordings’ Box Set
Bob Dylan is releasing a 39-CD box set covering the second leg of his 1976 Rolling Thunder Revue tour, arriving November 6, 2026 with hundreds of previously unreleased recordings.
Brian May Reverses Course on AI, Still Torn Over ABBA Voyage-Style Queen Avatar Show
Brian May tells Absolute Radio he has reversed his once-relaxed view of artificial intelligence, and explains why he stepped back from a Queen avatar show modeled on ABBA Voyage.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Announce ‘Origins 1971-1978’ Box Set for 50th Anniversary
Tom Petty’s estate has unveiled Origins 1971-1978, a box set revisiting the Heartbreakers’ earliest years, arriving November 6 as the band marks its 50th anniversary and receives a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Metallica Adds 2027 North American M72 Tour Dates With Limp Bizkit and Avatar
Metallica has unveiled 12 new North American stadium dates for 2027, continuing the M72 World Tour with Limp Bizkit and Avatar as support acts once the band wraps its Las Vegas Sphere residency.
Judge Recuses Herself From Steven Tyler Sexual Assault Trial Weeks Before Scheduled Start
Los Angeles County Judge Patricia A. Young has withdrawn from Julia Misley’s sexual assault lawsuit against Steven Tyler, citing a conflict tied to another judge previously removed from the case, and the September 28 trial has been pulled from the calendar.
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings Add December New York Dates to Grateful Dead Acoustic Reckoning Tour
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings have added six December 2026 New York shows to their Grateful Dead Acoustic Reckoning Tour, building on an already confirmed October run through the South.
Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts Release New Album ‘Second Song’
Neil Young, 80, and his backing band the Chrome Hearts released their second studio album together, ‘Second Song,’ on September 18, 2026, pairing new writing with reworked songs from decades ago.
Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s Final Concert Film Set for October Theatrical Release
The concert film capturing Ozzy Osbourne’s final show and Black Sabbath’s original lineup’s last performance together will open in cinemas worldwide on October 28, 2026.